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What 50 to 60 Fly would be suitable for the Caribbean

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Cannook, Aug 20, 2020.

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  1. Cannook

    Cannook New Member

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    Hi. This morning I posted a question about a Prestige 52 Fly. A few answers came back with some worthwhile comments. I appreciated them all. Maybe I should have asked (& I know it is 'somewhat' subjective) but what hardtop fly in this footage (50 to 60 ft) would be manageable for a couple but still modern with the ability to hit 30 knots when needed. The idea is to explore from the Bahamas down the complete Caribbean chain. The idea is to stop and explore as many islands as we can so fueling up every stop is not and issue. Maybe right down to the ABC's. 2015 or newer--joystick or bow/stern thrusters or both. One of the helpful comments this morning was the 'range principal' of 1/3 out 1/3 back & 1/3 in reserve. Makes sense. I hate how this will sound but with 'all the bells and whistles' for the boss. Thx guys and girls
  2. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    You have a couple of 180 NM legs (long Island Bahamas > T+C, T+C to Puerta Plata, etc.) so I'd want a 20 knot cruise minimum. Most people figure range based on 80% of fuel capacity. A Prestige isn't going to cut it, both in seakeeping and range. It could be done, with an overnighter, but really isn't suited for the job. A 55' Princess FB would meet all of your parameters and can be had with bow+stern thrusters. A Maritimo flybridge would also meet your needs. A 60' Hatteras MY also would meet all of your parameters and be the best quality MY. None of those will cruise at 30 knots, and be a little shy of hitting 30 knots. If you need BOW+STERN thrusters, or a joystick, you really need to learn how to Captain a yacht. If you need 30 knots, then you need a sportfish.
    DLG123 likes this.
  3. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    With you saying 30 kts and all the bells and whistles I think we have to ask the budget. Joystick control is factory installed and greatly limits which boats fit your wish list, but a bow and stern thruster can be added to anything. However that brings me to ask your experience level. If you've never owned / run boats in this class you'll need to figure a captain into your first year's budget and plan (including sleeping accommodations).
  4. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I think a good sportfish would be best if you really plan on going all the way down. You’ll get a better ride, range etc... either a Viking or Hatteras or some of the low production Carolinas if the budget allows.

    these boats are designed for this kind of waters.
    DLG123 likes this.
  5. Cannook

    Cannook New Member

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    Thanks fellas. All the comments are welcomed. My experience is 25 years on the Great Lakes. Last 5 with a Cruiser 520 Sports Coupe. Only two weeks in the Bahamas on a cat. Fell in love with the waters. Retired. Budget is whatever it takes to do it right. I would hire a Captain/spouse couple for the first few months and stay on shore in hotels as often as possible. This adventure is meant to be fun/enjoyable. I am looking at 2 to 4 years with the boat. By the time I go to sell it IMHO a 50-60 ft boat in 2024/25 that at a minimum does not have what we consider today 'the latest' electronics/controls etc will be a dinosaur to the market. I found that on my plane and I see the advancement in boats in the same light. So why not have the latest and best now for me to enjoy it . If it is pods the cruise range is more or less close to the max. When I said it 30 kts I meant when needed. Just me always asking for the max. Sometimes it works. Also I would like the boat to be as easy to handle around the docks to make my wife feel comfortable if she ever needs to do it herself. Same for my son and my son-in-law. I am trying to avoid buying a 60 foot CAT like the one we were on in the Bahamas. Horizon. My wife loved it. Nice condo, just would like a boat (if possible) Thanks again for all the input.
  6. Danvilletim

    Danvilletim Senior Member

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    I agree 50:prestige isn’t as sea worthy as a similar sport fish. But its livability is 2x that of sport fish. Lots of trade offs.
  7. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    If you had a 60' Hatteras MY or whatever they replace it with, then you'd be very happy spending nights on board and not in hotels. You'd achieve your speed, you'd have a boat capable of cruising the Caribbean.

    My wife and I initially made a deal that as we cruised, we would stay in a nice resort hotel once a week. The first time came and we looked at each other and quickly decided, "no." The choices were staying on board where we found ourselves very comfortable or load up a suitcase or some sort of bag and go check in and stay in the hotel. That's why I'd encourage enough boat that you can really be comforable aboard. Oh and now we've cruised over 7 1/2 years and over 100,000 nm and not one time have we stayed in a hotel and that cruising has been in a variety of boats.

    You commented on a condo but keep in mind it is your second home, your vacation home, and it is much like a condo. It can still be a boat, but don't overlook the value of condo comfort.
  8. ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    Indeed. We've had a boat so we can AVOID staying in hotels. And schlepping stuff back and forth...

    A 55'-60' Viking or Hatteras sportfish would be luxury, for us.

    -Chris
  9. Cannook

    Cannook New Member

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    I had been hoping for an 'eureka moment' that a boat that I had never thought of would pop up. Everybody's comments are solid replies to a very general question. Thanks to all for their time and knowledge. I have been on a 60' Hatteras for a few drinks and walked by numerous sport fish beauties The Hatteras is a beauty but it is not the 'fun' boat that we want. It's unfortunate because it is indeed a solid piece of work. Same with the excellent SP boats but for a different reason. They would give me the 'fun' we are looking for but not the accommodations. I might be left either changing my plans or going to the Cats. A Sunreef PC 60 would give me the seaworthiness that is needed, the speed and range needed. I must admit the cats offer a lot of fun when anchored they just remind me of a floating condo. Anyways everybody thanks again for your input. I will follow up with a note after I spend sometime with the bride to work an agenda out
  10. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Those were exactly the answers I hoped for but didn't expect. (We have a lot of dreamers come on here.) Sounds like you're prepared. Sounds like you'd do best looking at a SF for you or the cat for the missus. To me that spells a compromise with a sport cruiser or fast (20 kt.+) FBMY like the Hatteras. Lots of boats to consider in those categories. Btw, the difference between 20kts and 30kts in a big boat isn't much in terms of fun or even how fast you get places. If you want to hop islands fast you can always fly or rent a speed boat and use your yacht as a base. Where it is a big difference is in the purchase price and especially in the fuel and maintenance costs. Depending how well you keep the boat most of the money you spend buying (50-75%+) should come back to you when you resell. The one caution I'll give on that note is Don't Buy New. The first buyer pays to equip the boat, dealers profit and then he gets to work out all the new boat bugs. Considering how little use most larger boats get, one 2-10 years old will be beautiful, modern and quite up to date. Myself I'd never buy a used car, but I'd always buy a pre-owned boat, house, motorcycle or plane.
  11. jsschieff

    jsschieff Senior Member

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    Wouldn't a good-quality pilothouse cruiser with a fly bridge work well for a trip like this? I am thinking a Fleming 53, an Offshore, or an Outer Reef? Cruise speed more like 15-17 knots, but good sea keeping and built well enough to handle the route.

    If pod drives are a prerequisite, perhaps a Belize 54? Or if the budget permits, a Palm Beach 50/55?
  12. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    I'm not sure how a Hatteras 60 MY is less a fun boat than a Prestige.

    That aside perhaps a Palm Beach 65 Flybridge. I don't seen how the Fleming, Offshore or Outer Reef would fit your fun boat classification.

    Perhaps might help us if you can elaborate a little on where the Hatteras 60 Motor Yacht falls short.
  13. Cannook

    Cannook New Member

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    The Hat is an incredible boat. Well built. It's just 88K lbs vs 34K lbs of the Prestige. I take that is one of the many reasons why everybody has said wrong boat for the use I proposed. Thx
  14. Cannook

    Cannook New Member

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    All nice boats but not what we want (wife) if you know what I mean. Thx
  15. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    I note that your experience seems to be with lower helm stations but you're looking for a fly bridge. I suggest taking a ride in a FB with quartering seas on a rough day before you put money down. I personally prefer upper and lower helm stations. Upper for those nice days or when you need a better view; lower for the rough days or when you're entertaining. Many times I've seen husbands upstairs like a hired captain while the wife is down below entertaining their friends. Also the difference between an 88K lb boat and a 34K lb boat is that the latter will probably be faster and less thirsty, but the heavier boat will be more appreciated in rough weather and when the winds are blowing as you try to dock. Bow thrusters are wonderful when docking. I don't think I'd nix a good boat without a stern thruster or joy stick. Certainly a stern thruster can be added to any boat, but why pay for it if you don't need it. For my 2 cents my mains have always been able to put my stern where I need it.
  16. Fishtigua

    Fishtigua Senior Member

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    Does anyone still build a Yachtfisher in the 55/65 range? Fast enough, could take a bit of weather and a little Luxo on a budget?
  17. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Not per se that I know of. I think the name may be owned by Hatteras, but there's lots of motor yachts with cockpits. Some may need alterations such as cutting off an overhang. YF was from the era when people were adding extensions to everything (and ruining some good boats).
  18. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    And the weight bothers you because? I'm really trying to understand but I thought performance and space and the ability to cruise the Caribbean were what was important to you. The 34K lbs of the Prestige is just one of the many reasons it is not the right boat for what you want.
  19. bayoubud

    bayoubud Senior Member

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    I like the yachtfisher design. The Offhore 54 and 62 would work well, but not a 25/30 kt cruise.
  20. SeaLion

    SeaLion Senior Member

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    Speaking of yachtfish... I like the Mikelson Nomad.